The promise of a new year encourages moments of reflection, to tally the weight of the closing year and envisage limitless possibilities for the year ahead. Friends of Mutale’s assessment: 2010 was a challenging, yet fruitful year; all the while 2011 holds the potential to be a productive year with far-reaching achievements.
2010
The Friends of Mutale sponsored crèche began accepting students in February 2010, the most significant accomplishment of the year. Success was stifled initially, as the crèche was closed for a couple of months mid-year while a new instructor was sought and hired and negotiations were held with the local traditional authority. The crèche reopened in July, with 30 students enrolled. A ceremony was held in December at the end of the school year for four students who graduated onto primary school.
A mobile toy library began visiting area crèches in May 2010, based on support from the Tshikondeni Mine. Friends of Mutale visited 4 crèches weekly with toys, books, art supplies and music, so that the children could play and learn at the same time while the educators were exposed to the idea of toys in the crèche (some crèches have been operating for 10 years with limited educational resources: tyres and broken toys). Children were taught the importance of playing nicely, sharing and of respecting the toys so that they will last longer. The lasting effects cannot be quantified, but the immediate benefit was evident for the 130+ children in the four crèches that the mobile toy library served.
The waste management and recycling efforts continued to be an uphill battle in 2010, due to the distance from government infrastructure and lack of support from the area municipalities. Weeks may go by without a rubbish collection, despite the efforts of Friends of Mutale employees who collect waste and recycling that is deposited into metal drums that are placed throughout the village and at Kruger National Park’s Pafuri Gate. Recycling continues to be sorted at the collection site, in anticipation that the municipality will soon respond and take interest once again.
2011
The crèche has grown immensely with the 2011 school year, now serving 50 children. The school day begins at 8:00 am with prayer, instruction and learning games; at 10:30 am lunch is served, consisting of pap, beans and a fresh vegetable; while the day wraps-up with outside play and nap time. The crèche will be formally registered with the Department of Education in 2011, solidifying its position in the community. If time and financial resources allow, the lead instructor will attend educational training classes to develop her skills and enhance the resources available at the crèche.
A provincial representative from the Department of Education has approached me, requesting that I assist him in obtaining toys and educational material for over 50 crèches within the region. It is a challenge to rise to, but none too daunting as I trust that corporate sponsors can be secured and successful toy drives can be initiated in the UK and US.
The After-School Programme continues to be a great success within the community. Attendance has grown in 2011. On average, approximately 45 kids attend on a daily basis; some days nearly 70 kids participate. The after-school programme is structured with an hour of extra study (English, maths and geography) and an hour of play; such as building with Legos, jigsaw puzzles, drawing, colouring, reading, playing football, netball, badminton, baseball, skipping, and hopefully soon things like chess, mini-cricket and an environmental club. It has been observed that the children who regularly attend the after-school programme excel in school and are socially integrated. Our friends at the Tshikondeni Mine, who have been generous supporters of the programme and the Learning Centre, updated the electrical system and installed a blackboard, screen and outdoor light in December 2010.
While Friends of Mutale is involved in many thriving social efforts within Bennde-Mutale and the surrounding communities, it can be none too successful without the time, labor and love from volunteers. The most crucial task of 2011 will be to create relationships with individuals, universities and other charitable organizations to secure a solid and steady base of volunteers in Bennde-Mutale. Volunteers who have a passion for children, teaching and Africa are being sought who will be able to commit to a three month stay teaching in the local primary schools and after-school programme. Volunteers are a critical asset in operations, ensuring that the programmes and relationships that are established with the students are uninterrupted.
Supporting Friends of Mutale has never been easier…..when you shop online with your favorite retailers. An account has been established with EasyFundRaising, who will contribute up to 15% of online purchases made with the likes of Amazon, Apple, Red Letter Days, House of Fraser, Thorntons and Marks & Spencer. Before making your purchases, click on the link: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mutale or visit www.friendsofmutale.org.uk where you will find a link.
Friends of Mutale is grateful for your interest and support. If you would like to hear more about any of these initiatives or have a lead that I should pursue, please contact me via email at vince@mehers.com.
Excellent update, great to read!!
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